PREDICTIONS: Intermediate intrigue sweeps Mayo GAA

The race for the Mayo Intermediate Football Championship is taking shape now.

Some have fallen away already, others will go this weekend, and the contenders will then assemble. Oisin Bradley tries to predict who will win, lose or draw.

GROUP 1

ARDNAREE V CASTLEBAR MITCHELS ‘B’

Sunday, September 7, 4 pm in Foxford

Ardnaree sit pretty at the top of Group One after their big Ballinrobe win, and are in a good place to secure a quarter-final in Ardnaree.

That said, though, they’re coming up against a Mitchels ‘B’ side who had a big win over Lahardane last time out.

Eoghan Hughes and company were in fine fettle, but the Sarsfields represent a bit of a step up, and I’d back them to contain the county town boys.

VERDICT: ARDNAREE

LAHARDANE V BALLINROBE

Sunday, September 7, 4 pm in Kilmeena

Ballinrobe sit second in this group, but know the wrong sequence of results could see them in the relegation playoffs.

You wouldn’t bet on that happening, though. Lahardane recorded a famous draw against Ardnaree to get things up and running, but that goodwill evaporated in the second round when Castlebar Mitchels ran riot.

Lahardane have Shane Finnerty in attack, but Ballinrobe possess pedigree all over the park. The men in black and amber have produced a shock already this campaign, but you’d expect the Robesiders to take this one.

VERDICT: BALLINROBE

GROUP 2

CILL CHOMAIN V KILMEENA

Sunday, September 7, 12 noon in Crossmolina

Kilmeena are guaranteed a knockout spot, but need to win to avoid Cill Chomain leapfrogging them at the top.

Providing they avoid disaster, the Cill Chomain troops will also punch their quarter-final ticket, but they’ll be gunning for a statement win over another big contender, as well as securing a home quarter-final.

Veteran Derek Moran is a handful for any defence, while many Kilmeena men have shown their capacity as serious ‘ballers.

It’ll be tight, but based on the evidence of the early rounds, I’d give Kilmeena the nod.

VERDICT: KILMEENA

BURRISHOOLE V THE NEALE

Sunday, September 7, 12 noon in Tourmakeady

The importance of this game cannot be overstated. Whoever loses this game will find themselves within two games of playing Junior football next season.

The Neale will be gutted about letting the lead slip from their grasp against Kilmeena in Cong, while Burrishoole will feel similarly when looking back at the Cill Chomáin draw.

Will Adam Reihill, Fintan McManamon, and company have enough to trump their South Mayo opponents? Or will the two Toms, Lydon and Conroy, find their groove and save their season?

Time will tell, but for now, Burrishoole hold that little bit more magic in their boots, in my opinion.

VERDICT: BURRISHOOLE

GROUP 3

DAVITTS V KILTANE

Sunday, September 7, 4 pm in Breaffy

This is a clash of a side many people tipped to be in pole position to contend for the Sweeney Cup, and Kiltane.

However, Kiltane took no heed of anyone outside their circle and are guaranteed to top this group after playing fantastic football in the last two games. Their opponents find themselves relying on results in the other game to squeeze into second spot.

It’ll be tight, but I’d back the Davitts need to trump the Kiltane want. Time will tell if that’ll be enough to see them through.

VERDICT: DAVITTS

ISLANDEADY V PARKE

Sunday, September 7, 4 pm in Ballintubber

First place is already sewn up in this group, with three sides still capable of finishing from second to last, making this an absolute humdinger of a final day.

It takes a serious team to come out of Ballindine with the spoils. Parke, bolstered by generational displays by the likes of Darragh Reilly, did just that, and they’ll be bouncing along the road to Ballintubber.

Islandeady know that a loss guarantees they’ll be in a battle to avoid the drop, but truth be told, a big defeat in Bangor Erris makes it look very doubtful they’ll come out of this with a positive result.

VERDICT: PARKE

GROUP 4

HOLLYMOUNT CARRAMORE V KILMAINE

Friday, September 5, 8 pm in Garrymore

It will be a classic case of Friday Night Lights in Garrymore, and this clash promises to be a belter.

Both sides know their season is on the line, and have shown that they could be a force deep in the competition if they get past this challenge.

Hollymount Carramore will need another inspirational Conor Heneghan display coupled with solid showings from their other lights, but if Kilmaine find their best form, they’ll be there or thereabouts.

It’ll be tight, and I wouldn’t rule out a draw, which would see Kilmaine through.

VERDICT: DRAW

LOUISBURGH V MOY DAVITTS

Saturday, September 6, 5.30 pm in Islandeady

I would be one of the shocks of the season if Louisburgh came out of this one with the win. Both sides are guaranteed to finish at opposite ends of the table after utterly contrasting fortunes in the opening rounds, and minds in both camps will be turning to their own respective playoffs.

Moy Davitts produced a statement win last time out, and look primed to have a real rattle at the Sweeney Cup, while it’s been a wretched season for the Clew Bay men, who need to regroup urgently if they’re to survive.

VERDICT: MOY DAVITTS